Richmond, Va.,–Virginia is known as a destination for brilliant fall getaways as more than 15 million acres of foliage burst into spectacular color. Local farms transform into family playgrounds with harvest festivals, corn mazes and hay rides through pumpkin patches. Wine makers celebrate the harvest at more than 200 wineries statewide and Virginia’s scenic roadways such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive show off the state’s stunning natural beauty.
An inviting array of festivals, fairs and special events pop up all over the Commonwealth. The Virginia Tourism Corporation has launched a new fall travel web site to put the best of the season at visitors’ fingertips. At www.Virginia.org/Fall travelers will find trip ideas, special events and an interactive map to find wineries, orchards, festivals and more. It’s a perfect resource that removes the stress of travel planning and allows us to turn our attention to fully enjoying a vacation with those we love.
Special sections on scenic drives, food festivals, fall getaways, corn mazes, apple picking and fall festivals bring together hundreds of potential activities that are tailor-made for families or couples. Suggested multi-day regional itineraries pull it all together and help travelers plan the perfect trip. A listing of fall travel packages provides solid savings at some of Virginia’s nicest inns and hotels.
The bringing in of the harvest has always been a time of abundance and in Virginia that applies particularly to grapes. Virginia’s award-winning wineries celebrate their bounty during the whole month of October which is designated as Virginia Wine Month. Big events such as the Shenandoah Valley Wine and Music Festival (October 12-14) and Powhatan’s Festival of the Grape (October 20) draw large crowds and include live entertainment and food and craft vendors. Some wineries hold their own events that pack big fun into smaller venues. Chrysalis Vineyards is the site of the Norton Wine and Bluegrass Festival (October 6-7) while Rebec Vineyards hosts the Virginia Garlic Festival (October 13-14), an annual favorite with a loyal following.
Music festivals are a big part of fall in Virginia and are great dates around which to plan a trip. Rosanne Cash headlines the 2012 Richmond Folk Festival (October 12-14), an annual celebration of culture and roots music from around the world and which draws more than 100,000 people each year. The Black Dog Wine and Music Festival (October 13) takes place on the grounds of Chateau Morrisette Winery adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway and this year features two legendary East Coast beach music bands.
No matter the season, Virginia is always full of food festivals. Virginia is quickly becoming known as the Oyster Capital of the East Coast. An entire town completely closes off to traffic to honor its favorite bivalve at the Urbanna Oyster Festival (November 2-3), which features an oyster shucking contest, parades and a town full of food and fun. At Shenandoah National Park’s Skyland Resort visitors can help stir the big iron pots and enjoy a day of fun at the Apple Butter Celebration (September 22). Downtown Waynesboro is filled with the aroma of chili and the sound of live bands during the Virginia Chili, Brews & Blues Festival (September 22). Sample Brunswick Stew where it was invented (Brunswick County) at the Taste of Brunswick Festival Cook Off (October 13).
Some special fall events focus on fall itself and all its glories. Fall comes early in Virginia’s far western mountains and the town of Bluefield is ready for it with its Autumn Jamboree (September 1-5,8). Front Royal’s Festival of Leaves (October 13) celebrates the crowning splendor of the northern Shenandoah Valley. The Fall Festival in Old Town Historic Fairfax (October 13) has more than 400 juried crafters. George Washington’s Mount Vernon gets into the act when it hosts its annual Fall Harvest Family Days (October 27-28).
With so many fall events to choose from, make fall travel planning easy. Select an event or two, find overnight accommodations, find money-saving deals and packages, pick some good restaurants and other activities, check the weather forecast, and fill out your itinerary all by visiting www.Virginia.org/fall. You can also order a free Virginia Is For Lovers Travel Guide by calling 1-800-VISITVA. Stay connected at www.facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VisitVirginia.